And just like that (Wednesday, May 14, 2025), Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is absolutely flying by! We’re roughly at the halfway mark for these intense series, but don’t worry, there’s still a ton of thrilling hockey and delightful wine enjoyment ahead of us.
So, how are those Hockey WineUp Round 2 predictions holding up against the on-ice reality? It’s time for a mid-series sip check!
Ready? Let’s Go!
Eastern Conference: Mid-Series Sip Check
Matchup:Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto Maple Leafs) vs. Rivarose Brut Prestige Rosé Sparkling (Florida Panthers)
- Status: Series tied 2-2.
- HWU Flashback: Our Original Prediction: Bachelder ‘Les Villages’ Pinot Noir (Toronto). We backed the Bachelder Pinot for its Niagara terroir and winemaker Thomas Bachelder’s skillful mastery. This series has truly been a tale of home-team advantage so far. It sure looks like this fantastic wine matchup might go the full seven games!
Matchup:Taylor Fladgate 10-Year-Old Tawny Port (Washington Capitals) vs. Domaine Pyrène Côtes de Gascogne ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Status: Domaine Pyrène ‘Cuvée Marine’ leads 3-1.
- HWU Flashback: Our Original Prediction: Domaine Pyrène ‘Cuvée Marine’ (Carolina). We took a chance betting against Port in this series, and it seems to be paying off! The ‘Cuvée Marine’s’ vibrant energy and high-tempo style are living up to expectations and mirroring the Hurricanes’ strong play.
Western Conference: Mid-Series Sip Check
Matchup:Churchill’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Winnipeg Jets) vs. Vina Real Reserva 2016 (Dallas Stars)
- Status: Vina Real Reserva 2016 leads 3-1.
- HWU Flashback: Our Original Prediction: Vina Real Reserva 2016 (Dallas). We picked the Vina Real Reserva because this incredible Rioja is crafted for aging and enduring the long run, revealing nuanced complexities. That endurance seems to be giving it an edge against the HWU Champion Tawny in this tough series!
Matchup: Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009 (Vegas Golden Knights) vs. Kopke Fine Ruby Port (Edmonton Oilers)
- Status: Kopke Fine Ruby Port leads 3-1.
- HWU Flashback: Our Original Prediction: Graham’s Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2009 (Vegas). We leaned towards the depth of Vintage Port over Ruby for pure sipping enjoyment. Well, the Kopke Fine Ruby Port is certainly showing up for the Oilers and making a strong case! Perhaps accessible enjoyment (or even a wine for a playoff cocktail?) is proving to be the key in this pairing.
So, that’s the scene roughly halfway through Round 2! Some HWU predictions are looking good, while others are facing a tough test. That’s the beauty of playoff hockey and the fun of pairing it with wine! There’s lots more excitement and sipping still to come!
© 2025 Nicholas Shalagan and Hockey WineUp. All rights reserved. Hockey WineUp is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHL or its teams.
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